Identity Transformation and Coming of Age

Identity Transformation and Coming of Age: Kiriel's transfiguration into a human is symbolic of Shaun's own journey through puberty and adolescence, a time marked by rapid and sometimes unpredictable types of behavior. Even though Kiriel successfully "impersonates" Shaun during his three-day existence on an earthly plane, Shaun's friends, family, and pet cat notice subtle changes in his behavior, which they attribute to the hormonal or behavioral vicissitudes of youth. Thanks to Kiriel's influence, many of the other characters, causing them to improve and grow during the course of the narrative.

The Ultimate Questions

The novel discusses ultimate questions of good and evil and right and wrong, as well as the meaning and purpose of life. Even though these questions are phrased in traditional Christian language about the Creation and Fall as described in the books of Genesis or Job, this is not a...